“Highlighting the significant role of outscaling and technology transfer of various agri-fisheries technologies, the bureau re-echoes the need for us to reimagine agriculture in a way that both safeguards our environment and ensures food security for generations to come”, stated DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research director Junel B. Soriano in his keynote address during the 27th Federation of Plant Science Associations of the Philippines (FPSAP) conference. The said event took place on 28 August to 1 September 2023 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Themed “Innovative plant solutions for a sustainable and climate-smart agriculture”, the conference centered on providing its stakeholders involved in plant science and related fields with a venue to exchange information and learnings. Acknowledging the agriculture department’s efforts in modernizing the sector, it showcased various studies promoting  smart agriculture and its impact on the future of the sector. During the week-long gathering, members of various plant science organizations and societies participated in a series of plenary sessions. 

FPSAP consists of Crop Science Society of the Philippines, Philippine Seed Industry Association Inc., PhilFruits Association Inc., and Philippine Association of Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology. Tracing its roots to the Federation of Crop Science Societies of the Philippines that was organized in 1985, it convenes its members and stakeholders with the goal of promoting research on plants and related sciences through scientific events and publications. Further, the association aims to collaborate with public and private institutions to share knowledge and solve plant propagation and production issues. (### Geline Nicole  A. Morillo)